MONASH UNIVERSITY

Wouter Masselink investigates mechanical principles of vertebrae regeneration in axolotls, focusing on mechanical forces and cell responses, with potential implications for spine injury therapies.

A study in *JAMA Network* found gabapentinoid use linked to increased hip fracture risk in older adults, especially the frail or those with chronic kidney disease. The research, conducted in Victoria, Australia, highlights the need for cautious prescribing in vulnerable populations.

ALPACAR-360 trial data at AHA 2024 shows zerlasiran, a gene-silencing therapy, sustains Lp(a) reductions through 60 weeks, offering potential for high Lp(a) treatment. Zerlasiran demonstrated –81.3% to –85.6% Lp(a) reduction at 36 weeks, with consistent reductions through 60 weeks and good tolerability. Phase 3 trials planned.

Thao Vu's journey from Vietnam to Australia, nurtured by educators, led her to become an educational leader at Monash University, driven by her belief in people's potential. Huong Nguyen, also from Vietnam, pursued a career in drug discovery research at Monash, supported by mentors and scholarships.

KarXT, a new schizophrenia drug targeting muscarinic receptors, has sparked excitement in psychiatric medicine, with several similar drugs in development. However, the failure of a highly anticipated muscarinic drug, emraclidine, in a trial raises questions about the future of this approach. KarXT's success has revived interest in muscarinic drugs, but the development process remains challenging and uncertain.

NewAmsterdam Pharma announced additional Phase 3 BROOKLYN trial results for obicetrapib, showing significant LDL-C, Lp(a), and LDL particle reductions in HeFH patients on maximally tolerated lipid-lowering therapy, with safety comparable to placebo.

Eli Lilly's muvalaplin and Silence Therapeutics' zerlasiran, both targeting lipoprotein(a), showed promising results in Phase II trials, with reductions of up to 86% in Lp(a) levels. These results were presented at the American Heart Association conference and published in JAMA.

Eli Lilly's Muvalaplin, an oral small molecule drug, showed a reduction of lipoprotein(a)– Lp(a)– levels by up to 85% in Phase 2 trials, potentially lowering cardiovascular disease risk. Muvalaplin selectively inhibits Lp(a), a genetic risk factor for heart disease affecting 63 million Americans. The drug blocks the interaction between apolipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein B, preventing Lp(a) formation. These results highlight a potential scientific advancement in cardiovascular disease treatment.

Muvalaplin, an oral lipoprotein(a) inhibitor, reduced lipoprotein(a) levels by up to 85.8% in a phase 2 study of high-risk patients, with no safety concerns. The impact on cardiovascular events remains uncertain.

Eli Lilly announced positive Phase 2 results for muvalaplin, an oral inhibitor of Lp(a), showing up to 85% reduction in Lp(a) levels in adults at highest dose, potentially reducing cardiovascular risk.